<p>What I would recommend he do in his composition is free himself of thinking of fitting into a genre - modern, classical, and baroque - and just let himself explore. I would also recommend that he listen non-stop to music. There are a number of great internet streaming radio stations such as <a href=“http://www.wqxr.com’s”>www.wqxr.com’s</a> Q2, the American Composers Forum’s Counterstream Radio <a href=“http://counterstreamradio.com”>http://counterstreamradio.com</a>, Classical Discoveries on WPRB Princeton, 103.3 FM, and more. He should listen to music being composed right now by living composers - and he should listen to the music of the composition professors at all the different programs. And he should go to concerts of music by living composers.</p>
<p>Right now I would say that all programs are reaches. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be admitted to the majority of them. There just isn’t such a thing as a safety - especially for someone relatively new to composing without a lengthy resume or significant portfolio. However, some of these programs accept a lot more students than others - such as Michigan. USC has a relatively big undergrad department, as well. Others may only accept a very few students - such as Northwestern. Some programs are more open to students newer to composing than others. Surprisingly, Oberlin is one - they don’t (or didn’t used to) even assign the student to a studio for the first year or so. Same with USC.</p>
<p>All the Ivies I listed have strong music programs - but with different aesthetics. Yale, Princeton and Cornell are a bit more American leaning than Harvard and Columbia. All of them are better for grad students, than undergrad - although Yale College and Yale School of Music are two completely different institutions - and the School of Music is for graduate study only. (Many academically inclined accomplished composition students opt for Yale College for undergrad.) As for admission to the Ivies - it’s a crapshoot for everyone - but often they’ll choose a student who can bring something special to the table, like your son.</p>
<p>Compmom’s suggestion of Tufts/NEC is a good one. He would, of course, need to be admitted to both institutions, but Tufts has a strong composition department on its own. Other colleges to look at for a BA in Music would include Williams, Sarah Lawrence, Swarthmore, Bennington, Brandeis, and Skidmore. (I’m sure I’m leaving out a bunch!) You might also take a look at the SUNY schools, which are a cheaper option for out of state students. There are some interesting composition professors at some of the universities. And be sure to keep NYU in the mix. You might also take a look at McGill in Montreal.</p>
<p>I have no idea of your financial needs - some of these options will be more expensive than others after factoring in merit and financial aid.</p>